Method and device for controlling an exhaust treatment system

ABSTRACT

A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas aftertreatment system are described. A quantity (B) which characterizes the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is determined based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas aftertreatment system.

[0002] A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas aftertreatment system are known from German Patent DE 199 06 287. In the system described therein, a particle filter is used which filters out particles contained in the exhaust gas. In order to accurately control an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system must be known. In particular, the loading state of the filter, i.e., the quantity of filtered particles, must be known.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The method according to the present invention allows the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system to be easily determined. It is particularly advantageous if it is possible, when first operating states of the internal combustion engine are present, to predetermine a state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, and when second operating states are present, the state quantity (B) is simulated based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine. As the characteristic operating quantity, a quantity is preferably used which depends on the exhaust gas volume flow, the rotational speed, the amount of fuel injected, the amount of fresh air supplied, or the driver's intent.

[0004] For an exhaust gas aftertreatment system having a particle filter, this means that in first operating states the loading state is determined based on the differential pressure. This enables the loading state to be determined very accurately. By comparison, in second operating states the loading state is simulated. These second operating states are defined by the fact that it is not possible to make an accurate determination in such states. The reason is that the measured quantities are inexact in certain operating states. This is particularly the case when the exhaust gas volume flow assumes small values. In addition, the reaction of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system to changes is subject to a certain time delay. This is particularly true for the measured quantities.

[0005] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the state quantity is simulated when a volume flow quantity which characterizes the exhaust gas volume flow is smaller than a first threshold value. In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the state quantity is simulated when required by the dynamic operating states of the internal combustion engine. Using these measures, which may be carried out singly or in combination, the accuracy of the determination of the loading state may be notably improved.

[0006] It is advantageous if the dynamic operating state is detected when the change in certain characteristic operating quantities is larger than a threshold value. Quantities which characterize the amount of fuel injected, the rotational speed, the driver's intent, and/or the amount of air are particularly suitable as characteristic operating quantities.

[0007] A particularly simple and accurate simulation of the state quantity is achieved by including an integration in the simulation of the state quantity. During the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state, the value of the state quantity which is predetermined based on the pressure difference is used as the starting value for the integration. Correspondingly, a value stored during the last shutdown is used as the starting value when the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and/or the internal combustion engine are started up. The starting value preferably is stored in a memory which does not lose its contents during shutdown. In particular, the value is stored in an EEPROM.

[0008] For a particle filter, the present invention provides that the state quantity (B) is simulated based on at least the rotational speed (N) and/or a signal (ME) which characterizes the amount of fuel injected. To this end, the amount of particles instantaneously emitted, based on these quantities, is determined and integrated.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if, for a method and/or a device for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, it is possible to predetermine a state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, and a volume flow quantity which characterizes the exhaust gas volume flow.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous if the volume flow quantity is determined based on other quantities. This determination is preferably achieved based on the amount of fresh air supplied to the internal combustion engine and/or the amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine. The amount of fresh air is preferably measured by a sensor. The amount of fuel is present as a quantity in the control unit. Instead of these quantities, substitute quantities which characterize them may be used. Thus, for example, the duration of injection may be used for the amount of fuel.

[0011] Furthermore, implementations in the form of a computer program having program code means and in the form of a computer program product having program code means are of particular importance. The computer program according to the present invention has program code means in order to carry out all steps of the method according to the present invention when the program is executed on a computer, in particular on a control device for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In this case, the present invention is implemented by a program stored in the control device, so that this control device to which the program is provided represents the present invention in the same way as the method for which the program is suited to execute. The computer program product according to the present invention has program code means which are stored on a computer-readable data carrier in order to carry out the method according to the present invention when the program product is executed on a computer, in particular on a control device for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In this case, the present invention is implemented by a data carrier, so that the method according to the present invention may be carried out when the program product or the data carrier is integrated into a control device for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle. An electrical storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), an EPROM, or an electrical permanent storage such as a CD-ROM or DVD may be used as a data carrier, i.e., as a computer program product.

[0012] Additional particularly advantageous embodiments of the present invention are characterized in the subclaims.

DRAWING

[0013] The present invention is explained below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing.

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the device according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a detailed illustration of the simulation;

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the device according to the present invention; and

[0017]FIG. 4 shows a flow chart.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In the following description, the device according to the present invention is illustrated, using an internal combustion engine with self-ignition as an example, in which the fuel metering is controlled by what is known as a common rail system. However, the method according to the present invention is not limited to these systems. The method according to the present invention may also be used with other internal combustion engines.

[0019] An internal combustion engine denoted by reference number 100 receives fresh air via an intake line 102 and discharges exhaust gas via an exhaust gas line 104. In exhaust gas line 104 an exhaust gas aftertreatment means 110 is situated from which the purified exhaust gas is released to the environment via line 106. Exhaust gas aftertreatment means 110 essentially includes what is known as a precatalyst 112 and a filter 114 downstream from the precatalyst. Between precatalyst 112 and filter 114 a temperature sensor 124 is preferably situated which provides a temperature signal T. Alternatively, temperature sensor 124 may also be situated upstream from and/or downstream from exhaust gas aftertreatment means 110. Sensors 120 a and 120 b are provided upstream from precatalyst 112 and downstream from filter 114, respectively. These sensors act as differential pressure sensors 120 and provide a differential pressure signal DP which characterizes the differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet of the exhaust gas aftertreatment means. In addition, a sensor 126 is situated in intake line 102 which detects a signal that characterizes amount ML of fresh air supplied. A device known as an air flow meter is preferably used for this purpose. A sensor 125 delivers a signal PV which characterizes the pressure upstream from exhaust gas aftertreatment system 110.

[0020] Fuel is metered to internal combustion engine 100 via a fuel metering device 140. This fuel metering device meters fuel to the individual cylinders of internal combustion engine 100 via injectors 141, 142, 143, and 144. The fuel metering device is preferably a system known as a common rail system. A high-pressure pump conveys fuel to an accumulator. From the accumulator, the fuel arrives in the internal combustion engine via the injectors.

[0021] Various sensors 151 are situated on fuel metering device 140 which provide signals characterizing the state of the fuel metering device. For a common rail system, this state may be represented by pressure P in the accumulator, for example. Sensors 152 are situated on internal combustion engine 100 which characterize the state of the internal combustion engine. Such sensors are preferably a rotational speed sensor which provides a rotational speed signal N, as well as additional sensors, not shown.

[0022] The output signals of these sensors arrive at controller 130, which is illustrated as a first partial controller 132 and a second partial controller 134. Both partial controllers preferably form a structural entity. First partial controller 132 preferably actuates fuel metering device 140 by actuating signals AD which influence the fuel metering. To this end, first partial controller 132 includes a fuel quantity controller 136. This fuel quantity controller delivers a signal ME, which characterizes the amount to be injected, to second partial controller 134.

[0023] Second partial controller 134 preferably controls the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, and for this purpose detects the corresponding sensor signals. Furthermore, second partial controller 134 exchanges signals, in particular concerning the amount of fuel injected ME, with first partial controller 132. Both controllers preferably make mutual use of the sensor signals and the internal signals.

[0024] The first partial controller, which is also denoted as engine controller 132, controls actuating signal AD for actuating fuel metering device 140, depending on various signals which characterize the operating state of internal combustion engine 100, the state of fuel metering device 140, and the environmental conditions, and depending on a signal which characterizes the desired output and/or torque of the internal combustion engine. Such devices are known and have various uses.

[0025] Particle emissions may appear in the exhaust gas of diesel internal combustion engines in particular. To this end, exhaust gas aftertreatment means 110 filters these particles from the exhaust gas. Particles accumulate in filter 114 as a result of this filtering process. To clean the filter, these particles are then combusted in certain operating states, loading states, and/or after a specified time has elapsed or a specified meter reading has been reached for quantities of fuel used or distance traveled. For this purpose, filter 114 is usually regenerated by raising the temperature sufficiently in exhaust gas aftertreatment means 110 to combust the particles.

[0026] Precatalyst 112 is provided to raise the temperature. The temperature is raised, for example, by increasing the proportion of uncombusted hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas. These uncombusted hydrocarbons then react in precatalyst 112, thereby raising the temperature of the precatalyst and also the temperature of the exhaust gas which arrives in filter 114.

[0027] This elevation of the temperature of the precatalyst and of the exhaust gas requires increased fuel consumption, and should therefore be carried out only when necessary, i.e., when filter 114 is loaded with a certain proportion of particles. One possibility for determining the loading state is to detect differential pressure DP between the inlet and the outlet of the exhaust gas aftertreatment means, and, based on this value, to determine the loading state. This requires a differential pressure sensor 120.

[0028] According to the present invention, based on the differential pressure a state quantity B is predetermined which characterizes the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. This state quantity B denotes the loading state of filter 114 and characterizes the amount of particles deposited in the filter. When an appropriate loading state is reached, filter 114 is regenerated by actuating fuel metering device 140 and by carrying out additional measures.

[0029] Evaluation of the differential pressure is particularly problematic for small exhaust gas volume flows, since the small volume flow produces only a small differential pressure. The exhaust gas volume flow is denoted as the exhaust gas volume which flows through the exhaust gas system over a certain period of time. Dynamic operating states are also problematic because of the possible occurrence of pressure fluctuations and operating time effects.

[0030] Therefore, according to the present invention, when first operating states of the internal combustion engine are present, it is possible to predetermine state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, and when second operating states are present, state quantity (B) is simulated based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine.

[0031] For the simulation, the state quantity is calculated based on various quantities, particularly rotational speed N and amount of fuel injected ME. To this end, based on these quantities the expected particle emissions are determined and the loading state is thereby simulated. Instead of rotational speed N and amount of fuel injected ME, other signals which characterize these quantities may also be used. Thus, for example, the actuating signal, in particular the duration of actuation, for the injectors and/or a moment quantity may be used for amount of fuel ME.

[0032] A method and a device for determining the loading state, i.e., quantity B, which characterizes the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, is illustrated in FIG. 2 as a block diagram. Elements already described in FIG. 1 are denoted by corresponding reference numbers.

[0033] Output signals N of a rotational speed sensor 152, a quantity ME of fuel metering controller 136 denoting the amount of fuel injected, and/or a quantity characterizing the oxygen concentration are fed to a basic characteristics map 200. Preferably, the quantity characterizing the oxygen concentration is predetermined by a sensor or a calculation 125.

[0034] Basic characteristics map 200 impinges on a first linkage point 205 with a quantity GR which characterizes the base value of the particle discharge. First linkage point 205 impinges on a second linkage point 210 with a signal, which in turn impinges on an integrator 220 with a quantity KR which characterizes the particle build-up in filter 114. Integrator 220 delivers state quantity B which characterizes the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. This state quantity B corresponds to the loading state of filter 114. This state quantity B is supplied to controller 130.

[0035] The output signal of a first correction 230, to which the output signal from various sensors 235 is fed, is present at the second input of linkage point 205. Sensors 235 deliver signals which in particular characterize the environmental conditions. Examples of such conditions include cooling water temperature TW, the air temperature, and air pressure PL. The output signal of a second correction 240 is fed to the second input of linkage point 210 via a switching means 245. Output signal T of sensor 124 is fed to second correction 240. Alternatively, the output signal of a substitute value setpoint 249 may be fed to the second input of second linkage point 210 via switching scheme 245. Switching means 245 is actuated by error recognition 248.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous if the influence of the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is effected by an additional correction corresponding to correction 230.

[0037] Base value GR for the particle emissions is stored in basic characteristics map 200, depending on the operating state of the internal combustion engine, in particular rotational speed N, amount injected ME, and/or the quantity which characterizes the oxygen concentration. It is particularly advantageous if rotational speed N and the quantity which characterizes the oxygen concentration are taken into account. In addition, it is advantageous if rotational speed N and amount injected ME are taken into account.

[0038] Besides these values, other quantities may be taken into account. A quantity which characterizes the amount of fuel injected may be used instead of amount ME.

[0039] This value is corrected in first linkage point 205, depending on the temperature of the cooling water and of the ambient air, as well as the atmospheric pressure. This correction takes into account these effects on the particle discharge from internal combustion engine 100.

[0040] The effect of the catalyst temperature is taken into account in second linkage point 210. The correction takes into account the fact that above a specified temperature T1 the particles are not deposited in the filter, but instead are directly reacted to form harmless constituents. Below this temperature T1, no reaction occurs and all the particles are deposited in the filter.

[0041] Second correction 240 specifies a factor F, depending on temperature T of exhaust gas aftertreatment means 110, which preferably is multiplied by base emission GR.

[0042] Until temperature T1 is reached, factor F assumes the value of 1. This means that below temperature T1, base value GR is linked to factor F in linkage point 210 in such a way that value KR is equal to value GR. Above temperature T1, factor F decreases, and at a specified temperature T2 the factor reaches the value of zero; i.e., the entire amount of emitted particles is directly reacted, or in other words, no more particles are supplied to filter 114. If the temperature exceeds the value T3, the factor assumes the negative value −x. This means that, although particles are supplied to filter 114, the loading in filter 114 decreases.

[0043] If a defective temperature sensor T24 is detected by error recognition 248, instead of temperature T a substitute value for substitute value setpoint 249 is used. Preferably, this substitute value is likewise dependent on various characteristic operating quantities such as amount of fuel injected ME, for example.

[0044] This value KR thus corrected, which characterizes the particle mass flow resulting in loading of filter 114, is fed to integrator 220. This integrator 220 sums the quantity over time, and supplies state quantity B which characterizes the loading state of filter 114. The corrected output signal of the basic characteristics map is integrated to determine state quantity B.

[0045] State quantity B, which characterizes the loading state of filter 114, is usually used directly for controlling the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The use of a simulated quantity enables the loading state to be accurately determined, even in operating states in which various sensors, in particular differential pressure sensor 120, do not deliver a reliable signal or deliver an incorrect signal.

[0046] A further particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The simulation for calculating state quantity B illustrated in FIG. 2 is denoted by 400. This simulation 400 delivers state quantity B regarding the loading state of filter 114. In addition, a calculation 420 is provided to which output signal DP of differential pressure sensor 120 and output signal ML of air flow meter 126 are supplied. Simulation 400 as well as calculation 420 deliver signals to a switching means 410 which optionally selects one of the signals and provides the signal to controller 130. Switching means 410 is actuated by a switchover 415.

[0047] Based on pressure value PV, which characterizes the pressure upstream from exhaust gas aftertreatment system 110, a volume flow quantity V corresponding to the exhaust gas volume flow is calculated according to the following formula: $V = \frac{\left( {{ML} + {ME}} \right)*R*T}{Pv}$

[0048] Quantity ML corresponds to the amount of air measured by sensor 126, and quantity R is a constant. Based on this exhaust gas volume flow thus calculated and differential pressure DP, the calculation computes quantity BI, which characterizes the loading state of the filter. Quantity BI is preferably calculated according to the following formula: ${BI} = \frac{DP}{V}$

[0049] Based on this loading state BI, the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is controlled in first operating states. If certain second operating states are present, switchover 415 actuates switching means 410 in such a way that state quantity B of simulation 400 is used to control the exhaust gas aftertreatment.

[0050] The mode of operation of the switchover is described below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 4.

[0051] In a first step 400, state quantity B which was present when the internal combustion engine was shut off is read from a memory. An EEPROM is preferably used as a memory for this purpose. Alternatively, other types of memory may be used which do not lose their content when the internal combustion engine is shut off.

[0052] In a subsequent step 410 the operating state of the internal combustion engine is detected. In the embodiment illustrated, volume flow quantity V is determined based on measured quantities.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention the subsequent query checks, based on volume flow quantity V, whether a first or a second operating state is present. The first operating state is present when volume flow quantity V is greater than a first threshold value S1. The second operating state is present when volume flow quantity V is less than or equal to first threshold value S1.

[0054] If the first operating state is present, step 430 follows. In this step, state quantity BI is determined based on the differential pressure and/or the volume flow quantity, as described. This value BI is stored as a state quantity in subsequent step 440. Step 410 is then repeated.

[0055] If the second operating state is present, step 450 follows. In step 450, quantity KR which characterizes the particle build-up in filter 114 is determined. In subsequent step 460 the amount of particles instantaneously emitted, corresponding to particle build-up KR, is added to the stored value of state quantity B. The new value of state quantity B is thus obtained. Likewise, this new value is then stored in step 470. Step 410 is then repeated.

[0056] When first operating states of the internal combustion engine are present, query 420 makes it possible for state quantity (B) to be predetermined based on at least one pressure difference, and when second operating states are present, query 420 makes it possible for state quantity (B) to be simulated based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine.

[0057] As a result of storing the respectively determined state quantity in steps 440 and 470 and the addition in step 460, the simulation of the state quantity includes an integration. During the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state, the predetermined value of the state quantity based on the pressure difference is used as the starting value for the integration.

[0058] In particular when the internal combustion engine and/or the exhaust gas aftertreatment system are shut off, the state quantity is permanently stored in the memory. When the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and/or the internal combustion engine are started up, this stored value is read in step 400 and used as the starting value for the integration.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the present invention, other quantities are detected in step 410 instead of the volume flow. Query 420 checks whether a dynamic operating state is present. If such a dynamic operating state is present, step 450 follows.

[0060] Such dynamic operating states are present, for example, when characteristic operating quantities change quickly. In particular, the amount of fuel injected, the rotational speed, the driver's intent, and/or the amount of air may be evaluated to detect such dynamic operating states. In this embodiment of the present invention, query 420 checks whether the change in the rotational speed, the change in the amount of air, and/or the change in another suitable quantity is larger than the first threshold value. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, it being possible when first operating states of the internal combustion engine are present to predetermine a state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, wherein, when second operating states are present, the state quantity (B) is simulated based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the state quantity (B) is simulated based on at least the rotational speed (N) and/or a signal (ME) which characterizes the amount of fuel injected.
 3. The method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second operating state is present when a volume flow quantity which characterizes the exhaust gas volume flow is smaller than a first threshold value.
 4. The method according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the state quantity (B) is simulated in dynamic operating states.
 5. The method according to one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the dynamic operating state is present when a characteristic operating quantity which characterizes the change in the amount of fuel injected, the change in the rotational speed, the change in the driver's intent, and/or the change in the amount of air are larger than a second threshold value.
 6. The method according to one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the simulation of the state quantity includes an integration, the value of the state quantity which is predetermined based on the pressure difference being used during the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state as the starting value for the integration.
 7. The method according to one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the simulation of the state quantity includes an integration, a value stored during the last shutdown being used as the starting value when the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and/or the internal combustion engine are started up.
 8. The method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, of controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, it being possible to predetermine a state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, wherein in addition to the pressure difference a volume flow quantity which characterizes the exhaust gas volume flow is taken into account.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein it is possible to predetermine the volume flow quantity based on characteristic operating quantities which characterize the amount of air taken in and/or the amount of fuel injected.
 10. A device for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, having means which, when first operating states of the internal combustion engine are present, predetermine a state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, wherein means are provided which, when second operating states are present, simulate the state quantity (B) based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine.
 11. The device, in particular according to claim 10, for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system having means which predetermine a state quantity (B) characterizing the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system based on at least one pressure difference between the pressure upstream from and the pressure downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, wherein means are provided which, in addition to the pressure difference, take into account a volume flow quantity which characterizes the exhaust gas volume flow.
 12. A computer program having program code means in order to carry out all the steps of any of claims 1 through 11 when the program is executed on a computer, in particular on a control device for an internal combustion engine.
 13. A computer program product having program code means which are stored on a computer-readable data carrier in order to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 through 11 when the program product is executed on a computer, in particular on a control device for an internal combustion engine. 